US20170071383A1 - Apparatus for Universal Stemware Storage - Google Patents
Apparatus for Universal Stemware Storage Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20170071383A1 US20170071383A1 US14/852,265 US201514852265A US2017071383A1 US 20170071383 A1 US20170071383 A1 US 20170071383A1 US 201514852265 A US201514852265 A US 201514852265A US 2017071383 A1 US2017071383 A1 US 2017071383A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- base plate
- retainer
- stemware
- foot
- arms
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G23/00—Other table equipment
- A47G23/02—Glass or bottle holders
- A47G23/0208—Glass or bottle holders for drinking-glasses, plastic cups, or the like
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G23/00—Other table equipment
- A47G23/02—Glass or bottle holders
- A47G23/0208—Glass or bottle holders for drinking-glasses, plastic cups, or the like
- A47G23/0216—Glass or bottle holders for drinking-glasses, plastic cups, or the like for one glass or cup
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N3/00—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for
- B60N3/10—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of receptacles for food or beverages, e.g. refrigerated
- B60N3/101—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of receptacles for food or beverages, e.g. refrigerated fixed
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N3/00—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for
- B60N3/10—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of receptacles for food or beverages, e.g. refrigerated
- B60N3/105—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of receptacles for food or beverages, e.g. refrigerated for receptables of different size or shape
- B60N3/106—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of receptacles for food or beverages, e.g. refrigerated for receptables of different size or shape with adjustable clamping mechanisms
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B73/00—Bottle cupboards; Bottle racks
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G23/00—Other table equipment
- A47G23/02—Glass or bottle holders
Definitions
- This disclosure is generally directed to apparatus for securing stemware, including, for instance, in the transit (e.g., aviation, maritime, and train) and shipping fields, and more particularly to apparatus for universal stemware storage.
- Stemware in particular, presents a unique storage challenge in passenger transit. Items of stemware are generally not amenable to stacking or nested storage, like most flatware and serving dishes. Furthermore, a single item of stemware generally has numerous components, including a base, a stem, and a bowl, that all may be fragile. Still further, numerous types of stemware may all be stored together (e.g., red wine glasses, white wine glasses, champagne flutes), each having its own base, stem, and/or bowl dimensions.
- FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example apparatus for securing an item of stemware (referred to herein as a “stemware rack”).
- FIG. 2 is a “front” plan view of the stemware rack of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a “rear” plan view of the stemware rack of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a “top” plan view of the stemware rack of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 is a “right” plan view of the stemware rack of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 is a “left” plan view of the stemware rack of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the stemware rack of FIG. 1 , taken along line 7 - 7 in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the example stemware rack, taken along line 8 - 8 in FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the stemware rack of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 10 is an isometric view of an example of a stemware rack.
- FIG. 11 is a “front” plan view of the stemware rack of FIG. 10 .
- FIG. 12 is a “rear” plan view of the stemware rack of FIG. 10 .
- FIG. 13 is a “right” plan view of the stemware rack of FIG. 10 .
- FIG. 14 is a “left” plan view of the stemware rack of FIG. 10 .
- FIG. 15 is a “top” plan view of the stemware rack of FIG. 10 .
- FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the stemware rack of FIG. 10 .
- FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a plurality of copies of the stemware rack of FIG. 10 , each shown in operation securing a respective item of stemware.
- FIG. 18 is a plan view of the stemware rack of FIG. 10 , illustrating a method by which the item of stemware may be secured with the apparatus.
- FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the stemware rack of FIG. 10 , illustrated in operation with an item of stemware, taken along line 19 - 19 in FIG. 17 .
- FIG. 20 is a “right” plan view of the stemware rack of FIG. 10 , illustrated in conjunction with a portion of an item of stemware.
- FIG. 21 is an isometric view of an example of a stemware rack.
- the present disclosure is generally directed toward apparatus for securing and storing stemware.
- these apparatus may find use in passenger transit vehicles, such as airplanes, ships, trains, automobiles, and the like. Additionally, the apparatus of the present disclosure may find use in commercial shipping (e.g., securing stemware within a box or crate for shipping from a manufacturer or retailer to a customer, for example).
- commercial shipping e.g., securing stemware within a box or crate for shipping from a manufacturer or retailer to a customer, for example.
- the disclosed stemware rack may be used in a wide variety of applications, including and in addition to those explicitly mentioned herein.
- the apparatus of the present disclosure may improve upon known designs by more robustly and securely accommodating a variety of sizes and shapes of stemware, among other things.
- FIGS. 1-9 An example of an apparatus 10 for securing an item of stemware is illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 .
- Each apparatus of this disclosure for securing one or more items of stemware may be referred to as a “rack”—that is, FIGS. 1-9 illustrate an example of a stemware rack 10 .
- the example stemware rack 10 includes a base plate 12 , two posts 14 , a retainer 16 , and two feet 18 a , 18 b , with the components arranged so that the rack 10 is configured to secure a single item of stemware.
- each post 14 has a first end 14 a and a second end 14 b , with the first end 14 a coupled to the base plate 12 and the second end 14 b coupled to the retainer 16 .
- the direction from which an item of stemware is intended to be inserted into the rack 10 to secure the item of stemware with the rack which is the perspective of FIG. 2 , is referred to herein as the “front” of the rack 10 . This is for ease of description only.
- the rack 10 is not limited in use to any particular orientation.
- the feet 18 are coupled to front of the retainer 16 .
- the base plate 12 of the example rack 10 is a monolithic piece of material having a generally planar surface facing the feet and retainer.
- the base plate 12 may alternatively be formed from multiple pieces of material and/or may be contoured, in other examples, as desired.
- the example base plate 12 defines two apertures 20 through which respective mechanical fasteners may be inserted to couple the base plate 12 to a support surface (e.g., a surface of an airplane, ship, train, or other vehicle, or any other suitable support surface, including but not limited to shelving, counters, etc.) so as to fasten the rack 10 to the support surface, and two additional apertures 22 through which fasteners 24 may be inserted to couple the base plate 12 with the posts 14 (see FIG. 9 ).
- a support surface e.g., a surface of an airplane, ship, train, or other vehicle, or any other suitable support surface, including but not limited to shelving, counters, etc.
- the base plate 12 may be coupled to a support surface or to one or more posts (e.g., posts 14 ) with adhesive, friction fit, or other coupling means, and therefore the base plate 12 may lack apertures 20 for fasteners for such purposes or may include apertures in a configuration different than that illustrated in the figures.
- the posts 14 of the example rack 10 are coupled to the base plate 12 with mechanical fasteners 24 , such as screws, and extend generally perpendicular to the planar surface of the base plate.
- the example posts 14 are substantially identical cylindrical rigid members made of or comprising metal, such as aluminum.
- the posts 14 may differ from each other and may differ from the exact details of this example.
- a post 14 may have a shape other than a cylinder.
- another metal may be used, or a non-metallic material may be used.
- a polymer, wood, composite, and/or another suitable material may be used.
- a post 14 may be integrally formed with the base plate 12 and/or the retainer 16 .
- the base plate 12 may be omitted, and a support surface may functionally serve as the “base plate.”
- the posts 14 may be coupled directly to the support surface with mechanical fasteners, such as screws, with adhesive, and/or with other suitable coupling means.
- the retainer 16 includes a back support 26 and two front arms 28 a , 28 b made from a monolithic piece of material. As assembled, the retainer 16 is supported so as to be generally parallel with the base plate 12 and generally perpendicular to the posts 14 .
- the back support 26 is coupled to the posts 14 with mechanical fasteners 32 , such as screws.
- the retainer 16 defines a plurality of spaces and apertures. Two such apertures 30 are provided for fasteners 32 that couple the back support 26 to the posts 14 .
- a space 34 is provided for receiving the stem of an item of stemware and may be referred to in this disclosure as a “stem receiving space” 34 .
- Each arm 28 a , 28 b of the retainer 16 collectively define the stem receiving space 34 .
- Each arm 28 a , 28 b includes a respective “top” horizontal surface 25 a , 25 b , a respective “bottom” horizontal surface 27 a , 27 b , and one or more respective vertical surfaces 29 a , 29 b perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces 25 a , 25 b , 27 a , 27 b .
- the two arms 28 a , 28 b include substantially mirrored vertical surfaces 29 a , 29 b that collectively define the stem receiving space 34 .
- the stem receiving space 34 comprises a tapered opening 36 , a linear portion 38 , and an annular portion 40 (see FIG. 4 ).
- the linear portion 38 is closer to the front of the rack 10 than is the annular portion 40 . Accordingly, the stem of an item of stemware may be inserted through the tapered opening 36 and the linear portion 38 to reach the annular portion 40 .
- the diameter of the annular portion 40 is larger than the width of at least a part of the linear portion 38 . Accordingly, once the stem of the item of stemware is secured within the annular portion 40 , it may be unable to easily fall out of the rack through the linear portion 38 .
- the arms 28 a , 28 b of the example retainer 16 extend forward and towards each other from respective lateral portions of the back support 26 . Accordingly, the arms 28 a , 28 b are separated by a generally triangular opening 42 (see FIG. 1 ) that narrows from back to front. IN this example, other than sharing the common back support 26 of the retainer 16 , the arms 28 a , 28 b are not coupled to each other. In other examples, the arms 28 a , 28 b may be coupled to each other at one or more locations.
- the arms 28 a , 28 b of the example retainer 16 are elastic and flexible so as to allow the arms 28 a , 28 b to separate from each other as the stem of an item of stemware is inserted through the linear portion 38 of the stem receiving space 34 and to then elastically return to secure the stem within the annular portion 40 of the stem receiving space 34 .
- the annular portion 40 of the stem receiving space 34 has a diameter that is larger than the width of at least a part of the linear portion 38 .
- the arms 28 can elastically flex towards each other so that the annular portion 40 surrounds the stem and the stem cannot inadvertently slide back out through the linear portion 38 of the stem receiving space 34 .
- the feet 18 a , 18 b of the example stemware rack 10 are each formed from a monolithic piece of material and are substantially identical to each other in size and shape. Therefore, when an item of stemware is inserted into the rack 10 , each foot 18 applies force to the base of the item of stemware towards the base plate 12 of the rack 10 and, once the item of stemware has been fully inserted into the rack 10 , to secure the base of the item of stemware between the feet 18 a , 18 b and the base plate 12 .
- the feet 18 a , 18 b apply such force independent of each other by virtue of their coupling with different arms 28 a , 28 b of the rack 10 .
- Each foot 18 a , 18 b includes a first, “front” rounded protrusion 44 and a second, “rear” rounded protrusion 46 , in the example rack 10 (see FIGS. 5 and 6 ). Both rounded protrusions 44 , 46 help secure the base of the item of stemware once the item of stemware is placed in the rack 10 . As a result of the front protrusion 44 , a separation between the foot 18 and the base plate 12 is smaller at the front of the foot 18 than farther back on the foot 18 so as to prevent the base of an item of stemware from slipping out of the rack 10 once the item of stemware is secured within the rack 10 .
- each foot 18 a , 18 b is interference-fit with a respective arm 28 a , 28 b .
- each foot 18 a , 18 b includes a coupling protrusion 48
- each arm 28 a , 28 b includes a coupling recess 50
- the coupling protrusion 48 is inserted into the coupling recess 50 .
- the foot 18 a , 18 b may be coupled with the arm 28 a , 28 b or otherwise with the retainer 16 through any other suitable means, such as with an adhesive, with a different interference-fit configuration, and/or with a mechanical fastener.
- the design and configuration of the feet 18 a , 18 b disclosed herein are exemplary only. In other examples, other features and arrangements of the feet 18 a , 18 b may be desired.
- the feet 18 a , 18 b may be substantially different from each other, may have more or fewer than two protrusions, or may have a generally different shape, size, or design to achieve substantially the same function.
- more or fewer than two feet 18 a , 18 b may be used to secure a single item of stemware, in other examples.
- the example rack 10 is made from polymer. More specifically, the base plate 12 , the retainer 16 , and the feet 18 a , 18 b are made from polymer, such as a polycarbonate resin, such as one available under the trade name LEXAN from Sabic Global Technologies B.V. Particular formulations of LEXAN advantageously have high temperature tolerances, enabling the example rack 10 to pass FAA-required burn tests such that the example rack 10 can be used in aviation applications, but are soft enough not to scratch stemware and are flexible and elastic enough for the operation of the example rack 10 as disclosed herein. In other examples, other appropriate polymers or other materials may be used. In particular, for non-aviation embodiments, a material may be used with a lower temperature tolerance instead of LEXAN.
- the retainer 16 is disposed about 1.0 inches from the base plate 12 , and the bottom of the feet 18 a , 18 b are disposed about 0.125 inches from the base plate 12 . In other examples, these distances may be between about 0.5 to 12.0 inches, inclusive, and about 0.125 to 1.0 inches, inclusive, respectively.
- FIGS. 10-16 illustrate a similar example of a stemware rack 10 ′.
- the rack 10 ′ is configured to receive a single item of stemware.
- the example rack 10 ′ includes a base plate 12 ′, a retainer 16 ′, and two lateral supports 52 a , 52 b , each lateral support 52 a , 52 b including a lateral base portion 54 , a post 14 ′, and a respective foot 18 a ′, 18 b ′.
- the characteristics of similar components of the rack 10 given above and labeled with prime notation are also found in the rack 10 ′.
- the base plate 12 ′ of the example rack 10 ′ is a monolithic piece of material having a generally planar surface facing towards the feet 18 a ′, 18 b ′.
- the base plate 12 ′ may alternatively be formed from multiple pieces of material and may be contoured, in other examples.
- the base plate 12 ′ defines two apertures 20 ′ through which respective mechanical fasteners (these and other mechanical fasteners are not illustrated with respect to the rack 10 ′) may be inserted to couple the base plate 12 ′ to a support surface (e.g., a surface of an airplane, ship, train, or other vehicle, or any other suitable support surface, including, but not limited to, shelving, counters, etc.) so as to fasten the rack 10 ′ to the support surface.
- a support surface e.g., a surface of an airplane, ship, train, or other vehicle, or any other suitable support surface, including, but not limited to, shelving, counters, etc.
- the base plate 12 ′ may be coupled to a support surface with adhesive, friction fit, or other coupling means, and therefore the base plate 12 ′ may lack apertures for fasteners for such purposes or may include spaces in a configuration different than that illustrated in the figures.
- the retainer 16 ′ of the example rack 10 ′ is a monolithic piece of material that is generally parallel with the base plate 12 ′ when the rack 10 ′ is assembled.
- the retainer 16 ′ defines a plurality of apertures and spaces. Four such apertures 30 ′ (see FIG. 16 ) are provided for fasteners that couple the retainer 16 ′ to the lateral supports 52 a , 52 b .
- a space 34 ′ is provided for receiving the stem of an item of stemware and may be referred to in this disclosure as a “stem receiving space” 34 ′.
- the retainer 16 ′ is coupled to the lateral supports 52 a , 52 b with mechanical fasteners, such as screws.
- the two arms 28 a ′, 28 b ′ of the retainer 16 ′ collectively define the stem receiving space 34 ′.
- Each arm 28 a ′, 28 b ′ includes a respective “top” horizontal surface 25 a ′, 25 b ′ (facing out of the page in the perspective of FIG. 15 ), a respective “bottom” horizontal surface 27 a ′, 27 b ′, and one or more respective vertical surfaces 29 a ′, 29 b ′ perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces 25 a ′, 25 b ′, 27 a ′, 27 b ′.
- the two arms 28 a ′, 28 b ′ include substantially mirrored vertical surfaces 29 a ′, 29 b ′ that collectively define the stem receiving space 34 ′.
- the stem receiving space 34 ′ comprises a tapered opening 36 ′, a linear portion 38 ′, and an annular portion 40 ′ (see FIG. 15 ).
- the linear portion 38 ′ is closer to the front of the rack 10 ′ than is the annular portion 40 ′. Accordingly, the stem of an item of stemware may be inserted through the tapered opening 36 ′ and the linear portion 38 ′ to reach the annular portion 40 ′.
- the diameter of the annular portion 40 ′ is larger than the width of at least a part of the linear portion 38 ′. Accordingly, once the stem of the item of stemware is secured within the annular portion 40 ′, it may be unable to easily fall out of the rack 10 ′ through the linear portion 38 ′.
- the arms 28 a ′, 28 b ′ are coupled to each other at a rear attachment point, and extend forward from the attachment point in a curvilinear fashion so as to define a generally circular opening 42 ′ behind the stem receiving space 34 ′.
- Each lateral support 52 a , 52 b includes a lateral base portion 54 , a post 14 ′, and a foot 18 ′, all made from a single monolithic body of material, in the example rack 10 ′.
- each lateral base portion 54 When assembled, each lateral base portion 54 is arranged generally parallel with the base plate 12 ′ and includes apertures 56 (see FIGS. 13 and 14 ) through which mechanical fasteners may be inserted to couple the lateral base portion 54 with the base plate 12 ′.
- the post 14 ′ of each lateral support 52 a , 52 b extends generally perpendicularly from the lateral base portion 54 and curves forward into a foot 18 ′.
- the base plate 12 ′ may be omitted, and a support surface may functionally serve as the “base plate.”
- the lateral supports 52 a , 52 b may be coupled directly to the support surface with mechanical fasteners, such as screws, with adhesive, and/or with other suitable coupling means.
- each foot 18 a ′, 18 b ′ applies force to the base of the item of stemware towards the base plate 12 ′ and the lateral base portion 54 of the rack 10 ′.
- the feet 18 a ′, 18 b ′ apply such pressure independent of each other by virtue of their inclusion on separate lateral supports 52 a , 52 b of the rack.
- the example rack 10 ′ is made from polymer. More specifically, the base plate 12 ′, the retainer 16 ′, and the lateral supports 52 are made from polymer, such as a polycarbonate resin, such as one available under the trade name LEXAN from Sabic Global Technologies B.V. In other examples, other appropriate polymers or other appropriate materials, such as wood or composite, may be used. In particular, for non-aviation embodiments, a material may be used with a lower temperature tolerance than LEXAN.
- FIGS. 17-19 The operation of the rack 10 ′ will now be described with respect to FIGS. 17-19 .
- the rack 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-10 functions similarly.
- FIG. 17 is an isometric view of five copies of the rack 10 ′, four of which are securing four respective separate items of stemware 58 k , 58 2 , 58 3 , 58 4 .
- the rack 10 ′ is capable of securing items of stemware of different stem thicknesses (for example, compare the thickness of the stem of the first item of stemware 58 1 with the thickness of the stem of the fourth item of stemware 58 4 ) by virtue of the above-described configuration of the arms 28 a ′, 28 b ′ and the stem receiving space 34 ′.
- the rack 10 ′ is further able to secure items of stemware of different base thicknesses and widths by virtue of the above-described configuration of the feet 18 a ′, 18 b′.
- FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate a method by which an item of stemware 58 may be inserted into the example rack 10 ′ so as to be secured by the example rack 10 ′.
- the item of stemware 58 may be inserted from the front of the rack 10 ′ along the dash-dot line 60 shown in the figure, with the base of the item of stemware on the base plate 12 ′.
- the stem of the item of stemware 58 is inserted through the linear portion 38 ′ of the stem receiving space 34 ′, the arms 28 a ′, 28 b ′ flex away from each other.
- the arms 28 a ′, 28 b ′ elastically return towards each other so as to clasp the stem in the annular portion 40 ′ of the stem receiving space 34 ′, as illustrated in FIG. 19 . If the stem is larger than the annular portion 40 ′ of the stem receiving space 34 ′, the arms 28 a ′, 28 b ′ may not return to the same position as before the item of stemware 58 was inserted.
- each foot 18 a ′, 18 b ′ will flex upwards to accommodate the base of the item of stemware 58 until the base of the item of stemware 58 clears the front protrusion 44 ′ of the foot 18 a ′, 18 b ′, at which point the foot 18 a ′, 18 b ′ will elastically return to apply pressure to the base of the item of stemware 58 towards the base plate 12 ′.
- a rack may include two arms that define two or more stem receiving spaces, arranged from front to back.
- a rack system may be provided for securing multiple items of stemware.
- FIG. 21 One example of such a system will be disclosed with respect to FIG. 21 .
- FIG. 21 is an isometric view of an exemplary integrated rack system 10 ′′ for securing a plurality of items of stemware.
- the system 10 ′′ comprises a single apparatus that is similar in design to multiple copies of the rack 10 placed side-by-side. Except as disclosed differently below, the characteristics of similar components of the rack 10 given above and labeled with prime notation are also found in the system 10 ′′.
- the system 10 ′′ includes a base plate 12 ′′, a retainer 16 ′′, a plurality of feet 18 a , 18 b , and a plurality of posts 14 .
- the tops of the posts 14 are coupled to a back support portion 26 ′′ of the retainer 16 ′′, and the bottoms of the posts are coupled to the base plate 12 ′′.
- the base plate 12 ′′ is formed from a single, monolithic body of material.
- the retainer 16 ′′ includes a plurality of arms 28 a , 28 b , arranged in pairs, with each pair forming a stem receiving space 34 .
- a respective one of the plurality of feet 18 a , 18 b is coupled to each arm 28 a , 28 b .
- the retainer 16 ′′ is formed from a single, monolithic body of material.
- a number of racks 10 may be placed together, with separate retainers 16 and separate base plates 12 .
- a single monolithic retainer 16 ′′ may be provided, with multiple separate base plates 12 , or vice-versa.
- the base plate 12 ′′ may be omitted, and a support surface may functionally serve as the “base plate.”
- the posts 14 may be coupled directly to the support surface with mechanical fasteners, such as screws, with adhesive, and/or with other suitable coupling means, so as to arrange the racks 10 in a desired configuration.
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- Transportation (AREA)
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- Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)
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Abstract
An apparatus for securing one or more items of stemware includes a base plate, one or more posts, a retainer, and one or more feet. The feet and base plate cooperatively secure the base portion of the item of stemware, and the retainer includes arms defining a stem receiving space that secures the stem of the item of stemware. The feet are coupled to the arms. The arms are flexible so as to accommodate different sizes of stems and bases in stemware with a single rack.
Description
- This disclosure is generally directed to apparatus for securing stemware, including, for instance, in the transit (e.g., aviation, maritime, and train) and shipping fields, and more particularly to apparatus for universal stemware storage.
- In passenger transit vehicles, such as airplanes, ships, trains, and automobiles, food service items are often provided for passengers and crew, including serving dishes, flatware, and stemware, for example. In most instances, these service items must be secured within the vessel when not in use for the safety of crew and passengers and to prevent breakage of the service items, yet must be accessible to crew members and passengers for use during transit. Accordingly, well-designed storage solutions for each type of service item are desired.
- Stemware, in particular, presents a unique storage challenge in passenger transit. Items of stemware are generally not amenable to stacking or nested storage, like most flatware and serving dishes. Furthermore, a single item of stemware generally has numerous components, including a base, a stem, and a bowl, that all may be fragile. Still further, numerous types of stemware may all be stored together (e.g., red wine glasses, white wine glasses, champagne flutes), each having its own base, stem, and/or bowl dimensions.
- Accordingly, the inventors of this disclosure have recognized the need for various apparatus to accommodate the shape and size variations between different types of stemware.
-
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example apparatus for securing an item of stemware (referred to herein as a “stemware rack”). -
FIG. 2 is a “front” plan view of the stemware rack ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a “rear” plan view of the stemware rack ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a “top” plan view of the stemware rack ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is a “right” plan view of the stemware rack ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 is a “left” plan view of the stemware rack ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the stemware rack ofFIG. 1 , taken along line 7-7 inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the example stemware rack, taken along line 8-8 inFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the stemware rack ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 10 is an isometric view of an example of a stemware rack. -
FIG. 11 is a “front” plan view of the stemware rack ofFIG. 10 . -
FIG. 12 is a “rear” plan view of the stemware rack ofFIG. 10 . -
FIG. 13 is a “right” plan view of the stemware rack ofFIG. 10 . -
FIG. 14 is a “left” plan view of the stemware rack ofFIG. 10 . -
FIG. 15 is a “top” plan view of the stemware rack ofFIG. 10 . -
FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the stemware rack ofFIG. 10 . -
FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a plurality of copies of the stemware rack ofFIG. 10 , each shown in operation securing a respective item of stemware. -
FIG. 18 is a plan view of the stemware rack ofFIG. 10 , illustrating a method by which the item of stemware may be secured with the apparatus. -
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the stemware rack ofFIG. 10 , illustrated in operation with an item of stemware, taken along line 19-19 inFIG. 17 . -
FIG. 20 is a “right” plan view of the stemware rack ofFIG. 10 , illustrated in conjunction with a portion of an item of stemware. -
FIG. 21 is an isometric view of an example of a stemware rack. - The following description of example methods and apparatus is not intended to limit the scope of the description to the precise form or forms detailed herein. Instead the following description is intended to be illustrative so that others may follow its teachings. It should be noted that, throughout the drawings, many elements that are present in numerous drawings are not labeled with the reference numerals of this disclosure in all figures in which those elements appear. This is for clarity of illustration only.
- The present disclosure is generally directed toward apparatus for securing and storing stemware. In general, these apparatus may find use in passenger transit vehicles, such as airplanes, ships, trains, automobiles, and the like. Additionally, the apparatus of the present disclosure may find use in commercial shipping (e.g., securing stemware within a box or crate for shipping from a manufacturer or retailer to a customer, for example). However, it will be appreciated by one of the ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed stemware rack may be used in a wide variety of applications, including and in addition to those explicitly mentioned herein. The apparatus of the present disclosure may improve upon known designs by more robustly and securely accommodating a variety of sizes and shapes of stemware, among other things.
- An example of an
apparatus 10 for securing an item of stemware is illustrated inFIGS. 1-9 . Each apparatus of this disclosure for securing one or more items of stemware may be referred to as a “rack”—that is,FIGS. 1-9 illustrate an example of astemware rack 10. - Referring to
FIGS. 1-9 , theexample stemware rack 10 includes abase plate 12, twoposts 14, aretainer 16, and twofeet rack 10 is configured to secure a single item of stemware. In this example, eachpost 14 has afirst end 14 a and asecond end 14 b, with thefirst end 14 a coupled to thebase plate 12 and thesecond end 14 b coupled to theretainer 16. The direction from which an item of stemware is intended to be inserted into therack 10 to secure the item of stemware with the rack, which is the perspective ofFIG. 2 , is referred to herein as the “front” of therack 10. This is for ease of description only. Therack 10 is not limited in use to any particular orientation. The feet 18 are coupled to front of theretainer 16. - The
base plate 12 of theexample rack 10 is a monolithic piece of material having a generally planar surface facing the feet and retainer. Of course, thebase plate 12 may alternatively be formed from multiple pieces of material and/or may be contoured, in other examples, as desired. Theexample base plate 12 defines twoapertures 20 through which respective mechanical fasteners may be inserted to couple thebase plate 12 to a support surface (e.g., a surface of an airplane, ship, train, or other vehicle, or any other suitable support surface, including but not limited to shelving, counters, etc.) so as to fasten therack 10 to the support surface, and twoadditional apertures 22 through whichfasteners 24 may be inserted to couple thebase plate 12 with the posts 14 (seeFIG. 9 ). In other examples, thebase plate 12 may be coupled to a support surface or to one or more posts (e.g., posts 14) with adhesive, friction fit, or other coupling means, and therefore thebase plate 12 may lackapertures 20 for fasteners for such purposes or may include apertures in a configuration different than that illustrated in the figures. - The
posts 14 of theexample rack 10 are coupled to thebase plate 12 withmechanical fasteners 24, such as screws, and extend generally perpendicular to the planar surface of the base plate. Theexample posts 14 are substantially identical cylindrical rigid members made of or comprising metal, such as aluminum. In other examples, theposts 14 may differ from each other and may differ from the exact details of this example. For example, apost 14 may have a shape other than a cylinder. In another example, another metal may be used, or a non-metallic material may be used. For example, a polymer, wood, composite, and/or another suitable material may be used. Still further, in another example, apost 14 may be integrally formed with thebase plate 12 and/or theretainer 16. - In another example, the
base plate 12 may be omitted, and a support surface may functionally serve as the “base plate.” In such an example, theposts 14 may be coupled directly to the support surface with mechanical fasteners, such as screws, with adhesive, and/or with other suitable coupling means. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 1-9 , in this example, theretainer 16 includes aback support 26 and twofront arms retainer 16 is supported so as to be generally parallel with thebase plate 12 and generally perpendicular to theposts 14. Theback support 26 is coupled to theposts 14 withmechanical fasteners 32, such as screws. Theretainer 16 defines a plurality of spaces and apertures. Twosuch apertures 30 are provided forfasteners 32 that couple theback support 26 to theposts 14. Aspace 34 is provided for receiving the stem of an item of stemware and may be referred to in this disclosure as a “stem receiving space” 34. - The two
arms retainer 16 collectively define thestem receiving space 34. Eacharm horizontal surface horizontal surface vertical surfaces bottom surfaces arms vertical surfaces stem receiving space 34. - In this example, the
stem receiving space 34 comprises a taperedopening 36, alinear portion 38, and an annular portion 40 (seeFIG. 4 ). In this example configuration, thelinear portion 38 is closer to the front of therack 10 than is theannular portion 40. Accordingly, the stem of an item of stemware may be inserted through the taperedopening 36 and thelinear portion 38 to reach theannular portion 40. The diameter of theannular portion 40 is larger than the width of at least a part of thelinear portion 38. Accordingly, once the stem of the item of stemware is secured within theannular portion 40, it may be unable to easily fall out of the rack through thelinear portion 38. - The
arms example retainer 16 extend forward and towards each other from respective lateral portions of theback support 26. Accordingly, thearms FIG. 1 ) that narrows from back to front. IN this example, other than sharing thecommon back support 26 of theretainer 16, thearms arms - The
arms example retainer 16 are elastic and flexible so as to allow thearms linear portion 38 of thestem receiving space 34 and to then elastically return to secure the stem within theannular portion 40 of thestem receiving space 34. As noted above, in theexample rack 10, theannular portion 40 of thestem receiving space 34 has a diameter that is larger than the width of at least a part of thelinear portion 38. As a result, once the stem of an item of stemware is inserted through thelinear portion 38 and reaches theannular portion 40, the arms 28 can elastically flex towards each other so that theannular portion 40 surrounds the stem and the stem cannot inadvertently slide back out through thelinear portion 38 of thestem receiving space 34. - The
feet example stemware rack 10 are each formed from a monolithic piece of material and are substantially identical to each other in size and shape. Therefore, when an item of stemware is inserted into therack 10, each foot 18 applies force to the base of the item of stemware towards thebase plate 12 of therack 10 and, once the item of stemware has been fully inserted into therack 10, to secure the base of the item of stemware between thefeet base plate 12. Thefeet different arms rack 10. - Each
foot protrusion 44 and a second, “rear” roundedprotrusion 46, in the example rack 10 (seeFIGS. 5 and 6 ). Both roundedprotrusions rack 10. As a result of thefront protrusion 44, a separation between the foot 18 and thebase plate 12 is smaller at the front of the foot 18 than farther back on the foot 18 so as to prevent the base of an item of stemware from slipping out of therack 10 once the item of stemware is secured within therack 10. - Referring to
FIGS. 7 and 9 , eachfoot respective arm foot coupling protrusion 48, and eacharm coupling recess 50, and thecoupling protrusion 48 is inserted into thecoupling recess 50. Of course, in other examples, thefoot arm retainer 16 through any other suitable means, such as with an adhesive, with a different interference-fit configuration, and/or with a mechanical fastener. - The design and configuration of the
feet feet feet feet - Other than the
posts 14 and thefasteners example rack 10 is made from polymer. More specifically, thebase plate 12, theretainer 16, and thefeet example rack 10 to pass FAA-required burn tests such that theexample rack 10 can be used in aviation applications, but are soft enough not to scratch stemware and are flexible and elastic enough for the operation of theexample rack 10 as disclosed herein. In other examples, other appropriate polymers or other materials may be used. In particular, for non-aviation embodiments, a material may be used with a lower temperature tolerance instead of LEXAN. - In the
example rack 10, without an item of stemware inserted, theretainer 16 is disposed about 1.0 inches from thebase plate 12, and the bottom of thefeet base plate 12. In other examples, these distances may be between about 0.5 to 12.0 inches, inclusive, and about 0.125 to 1.0 inches, inclusive, respectively. -
FIGS. 10-16 illustrate a similar example of astemware rack 10′. As with therack 10, therack 10′ is configured to receive a single item of stemware. Theexample rack 10′ includes abase plate 12′, aretainer 16′, and twolateral supports lateral support lateral base portion 54, apost 14′, and arespective foot 18 a′, 18 b′. Except as disclosed differently below, the characteristics of similar components of therack 10 given above and labeled with prime notation are also found in therack 10′. - The
base plate 12′ of theexample rack 10′ is a monolithic piece of material having a generally planar surface facing towards thefeet 18 a′, 18 b′. Of course, thebase plate 12′ may alternatively be formed from multiple pieces of material and may be contoured, in other examples. Thebase plate 12′ defines twoapertures 20′ through which respective mechanical fasteners (these and other mechanical fasteners are not illustrated with respect to therack 10′) may be inserted to couple thebase plate 12′ to a support surface (e.g., a surface of an airplane, ship, train, or other vehicle, or any other suitable support surface, including, but not limited to, shelving, counters, etc.) so as to fasten therack 10′ to the support surface. In other examples, thebase plate 12′ may be coupled to a support surface with adhesive, friction fit, or other coupling means, and therefore thebase plate 12′ may lack apertures for fasteners for such purposes or may include spaces in a configuration different than that illustrated in the figures. - The
retainer 16′ of theexample rack 10′ is a monolithic piece of material that is generally parallel with thebase plate 12′ when therack 10′ is assembled. Theretainer 16′ defines a plurality of apertures and spaces. Foursuch apertures 30′ (seeFIG. 16 ) are provided for fasteners that couple theretainer 16′ to the lateral supports 52 a, 52 b. Aspace 34′ is provided for receiving the stem of an item of stemware and may be referred to in this disclosure as a “stem receiving space” 34′. Theretainer 16′ is coupled to the lateral supports 52 a, 52 b with mechanical fasteners, such as screws. - The two
arms 28 a′, 28 b′ of theretainer 16′ collectively define thestem receiving space 34′. Eacharm 28 a′, 28 b′ includes a respective “top”horizontal surface 25 a′, 25 b′ (facing out of the page in the perspective ofFIG. 15 ), a respective “bottom”horizontal surface 27 a′, 27 b′, and one or more respectivevertical surfaces 29 a′, 29 b′ perpendicular to the top andbottom surfaces 25 a′, 25 b′, 27 a′, 27 b′. The twoarms 28 a′, 28 b′ include substantially mirroredvertical surfaces 29 a′, 29 b′ that collectively define thestem receiving space 34′. - The
stem receiving space 34′ comprises a taperedopening 36′, alinear portion 38′, and anannular portion 40′ (seeFIG. 15 ). Thelinear portion 38′ is closer to the front of therack 10′ than is theannular portion 40′. Accordingly, the stem of an item of stemware may be inserted through the taperedopening 36′ and thelinear portion 38′ to reach theannular portion 40′. The diameter of theannular portion 40′ is larger than the width of at least a part of thelinear portion 38′. Accordingly, once the stem of the item of stemware is secured within theannular portion 40′, it may be unable to easily fall out of therack 10′ through thelinear portion 38′. In the example, thearms 28 a′, 28 b′ are coupled to each other at a rear attachment point, and extend forward from the attachment point in a curvilinear fashion so as to define a generallycircular opening 42′ behind thestem receiving space 34′. - Each
lateral support lateral base portion 54, apost 14′, and a foot 18′, all made from a single monolithic body of material, in theexample rack 10′. When assembled, eachlateral base portion 54 is arranged generally parallel with thebase plate 12′ and includes apertures 56 (seeFIGS. 13 and 14 ) through which mechanical fasteners may be inserted to couple thelateral base portion 54 with thebase plate 12′. Thepost 14′ of eachlateral support lateral base portion 54 and curves forward into a foot 18′. - In another example, the
base plate 12′ may be omitted, and a support surface may functionally serve as the “base plate.” In such an example, the lateral supports 52 a, 52 b may be coupled directly to the support surface with mechanical fasteners, such as screws, with adhesive, and/or with other suitable coupling means. - When an item of stemware is inserted into the
rack 10′, eachfoot 18 a′, 18 b′ applies force to the base of the item of stemware towards thebase plate 12′ and thelateral base portion 54 of therack 10′. Thefeet 18 a′, 18 b′ apply such pressure independent of each other by virtue of their inclusion on separate lateral supports 52 a, 52 b of the rack. - The
example rack 10′ is made from polymer. More specifically, thebase plate 12′, theretainer 16′, and the lateral supports 52 are made from polymer, such as a polycarbonate resin, such as one available under the trade name LEXAN from Sabic Global Technologies B.V. In other examples, other appropriate polymers or other appropriate materials, such as wood or composite, may be used. In particular, for non-aviation embodiments, a material may be used with a lower temperature tolerance than LEXAN. - The operation of the
rack 10′ will now be described with respect toFIGS. 17-19 . Therack 10 illustrated inFIGS. 1-10 functions similarly. -
FIG. 17 is an isometric view of five copies of therack 10′, four of which are securing four respective separate items ofstemware FIG. 17 , therack 10′ is capable of securing items of stemware of different stem thicknesses (for example, compare the thickness of the stem of the first item ofstemware 58 1 with the thickness of the stem of the fourth item of stemware 58 4) by virtue of the above-described configuration of thearms 28 a′, 28 b′ and thestem receiving space 34′. Therack 10′ is further able to secure items of stemware of different base thicknesses and widths by virtue of the above-described configuration of thefeet 18 a′, 18 b′. -
FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate a method by which an item ofstemware 58 may be inserted into theexample rack 10′ so as to be secured by theexample rack 10′. Referring toFIG. 18 , the item ofstemware 58 may be inserted from the front of therack 10′ along the dash-dot line 60 shown in the figure, with the base of the item of stemware on thebase plate 12′. As the stem of the item ofstemware 58 is inserted through thelinear portion 38′ of thestem receiving space 34′, thearms 28 a′, 28 b′ flex away from each other. When the stem reaches theannular portion 40′ of thestem receiving space 34′, thearms 28 a′, 28 b′ elastically return towards each other so as to clasp the stem in theannular portion 40′ of thestem receiving space 34′, as illustrated inFIG. 19 . If the stem is larger than theannular portion 40′ of thestem receiving space 34′, thearms 28 a′, 28 b′ may not return to the same position as before the item ofstemware 58 was inserted. - Referring to
FIG. 20 to further disclose the operative function of theexample rack 10′, as the item ofstemware 58 is inserted, eachfoot 18 a′, 18 b′ will flex upwards to accommodate the base of the item ofstemware 58 until the base of the item ofstemware 58 clears thefront protrusion 44′ of thefoot 18 a′, 18 b′, at which point thefoot 18 a′, 18 b′ will elastically return to apply pressure to the base of the item ofstemware 58 towards thebase plate 12′. Once the base of the item ofstemware 58 is secured between thefeet 18 a′, 18 b′ and thebase plate 12′, thefront protrusion 44′ of eachfoot 18 a′, 18 b′ will prevent the base of the item of stemware from slipping forward. - The
racks FIG. 21 . -
FIG. 21 is an isometric view of an exemplaryintegrated rack system 10″ for securing a plurality of items of stemware. Thesystem 10″ comprises a single apparatus that is similar in design to multiple copies of therack 10 placed side-by-side. Except as disclosed differently below, the characteristics of similar components of therack 10 given above and labeled with prime notation are also found in thesystem 10″. - The
system 10″ includes abase plate 12″, aretainer 16″, a plurality offeet posts 14. The tops of theposts 14 are coupled to aback support portion 26″ of theretainer 16″, and the bottoms of the posts are coupled to thebase plate 12″. Thebase plate 12″ is formed from a single, monolithic body of material. - The
retainer 16″ includes a plurality ofarms stem receiving space 34. A respective one of the plurality offeet arm retainer 16″ is formed from a single, monolithic body of material. - As an alternative to the
system 10″, a number ofracks 10 may be placed together, withseparate retainers 16 andseparate base plates 12. In yet another alternative, a singlemonolithic retainer 16″ may be provided, with multipleseparate base plates 12, or vice-versa. In still another alternative, thebase plate 12″ may be omitted, and a support surface may functionally serve as the “base plate.” In such an example, theposts 14 may be coupled directly to the support surface with mechanical fasteners, such as screws, with adhesive, and/or with other suitable coupling means, so as to arrange theracks 10 in a desired configuration. - Although certain example methods and apparatus have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.
Claims (20)
1. An apparatus for securing an item of stemware, the apparatus comprising:
a base plate;
a post having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled with the base plate;
a retainer coupled with the second end of the post, the retainer defining a space configured in size and shape to receive a stem of the item of stemware, the retainer comprising two arms, the space disposed between the arms, wherein the arms are laterally flexible so that the arms may separate to expand the space as the stem is inserted in the space and elastically return to secure the stem in the space; and
a foot, coupled to the retainer and extending from the retainer towards the base plate, configured to secure a base of the item of stemware in conjunction with the base plate;
wherein the base plate is generally parallel with the retainer;
wherein the foot is generally perpendicular to the base plate and the retainer.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the foot is a first foot, and wherein the apparatus further comprises:
a second foot, coupled to the retainer and extending from the retainer towards the base plate, configured to secure the base of the item of stemware in cooperation with the first foot and the base plate.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the first foot is substantially identical in size and shape to the second foot.
4. An apparatus for securing an item of stemware, the apparatus comprising:
a base plate;
a post having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled with the base plate;
a retainer coupled with the second end of the post, the retainer defining a space configured in size and shape to receive a stem of the item of stemware, the retainer comprising two arms, the space disposed between the arms, wherein the arms are laterally flexible so that the arms may separate to expand the space as the stem is inserted in the space and elastically return to secure the stem in the space; and
a foot, coupled to the retainer and extending from the retainer towards the base plate, configured to secure a base of the item of stemware in conjunction with the base plate;
wherein the foot is coupled to the retainer by one or more of:
friction fit;
adhesive; or
a mechanical fastener.
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the space comprises a linear portion and an annular portion, the linear portion having a width that is smaller than a diameter of the annular portion.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the retainer is spaced from the base plate by a distance of between 0.5 inches and 12 inches, inclusive.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the foot is disposed relative to the base plate to define a separation between the foot and the base plate, the separation comprising a first portion through which the base of the item of stemware is inserted and a second portion in which the base of the item of stemware is secured after being inserted through the first portion, the first portion of the separation being smaller than the second portion of the separation.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein one or more of the base plate, the retainer, or the foot comprises polycarbonate resin.
11. An apparatus for securing a plurality of items of stemware, the apparatus comprising:
a base plate;
a post having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled with the base plate;
a retainer coupled with the second end of the post, the retainer defining a plurality of separate spaces, each space configured in size and shape to receive a stem of at least one of the items of stemware, the retainer comprising a plurality of arms, each space disposed between two of the arms, wherein the arms are laterally flexible so that the arms may separate to expand the space as the stem is inserted in the space and elastically return to secure the stem in the space; and
a plurality of feet, each foot coupled to the retainer and extending from the retainer towards the base plate, each foot configured to secure a base of at least one of the items of stemware in conjunction with the base plate;
wherein the base plate is generally parallel with the retainer;
wherein the feet are generally perpendicular to the base plate and the retainer.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the feet are arranged in sets of at least two feet, each foot in each set of feet arranged relative to each other foot in its set to cooperatively secure the base of at least one of the items of stemware in conjunction with the base plate.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein each foot in a set is substantially identical in size and shape to every other foot in the set.
14. An apparatus for securing a plurality of items of stemware, the apparatus comprising:
a base plate;
a post having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled with the base plate;
a retainer coupled with the second end of the post, the retainer defining a plurality of separate spaces, each space configured in size and shape to receive a stem of at least one of the items of stemware, the retainer comprising a plurality of arms, each space disposed between two of the arms, wherein the arms are laterally flexible so that the arms may separate to expand the space as the stem is inserted in the space and elastically return to secure the stem in the space; and
a plurality of feet, each foot coupled to the retainer and extending from the retainer towards the base plate, each foot configured to secure a base of at least one of the items of stemware in conjunction with the base plate;
wherein the feet are coupled to the retainer by one or more of:
friction fit;
adhesive; or
a mechanical fastener.
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein at least one of the spaces comprises a linear portion and an annular portion, the linear portion having a width that is smaller than a diameter of the annular portion.
18. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the retainer is spaced from the base plate by a distance of between 0.5 inches and 12 inches, inclusive.
19. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein at least one foot of the feet is disposed relative to the base plate to define a separation between the at least one foot and the base plate, the separation comprising a first portion through which the base of at least one of the items of stemware is inserted and a second portion in which the base of the at least one item of stemware is secured after being inserted through the first portion, the first portion of the separation being smaller than the second portion of the separation.
20. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein one or more of the base plate, the retainer, or the feet comprises polycarbonate resin.
Priority Applications (5)
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EP16845275.3A EP3346883B1 (en) | 2015-09-11 | 2016-09-12 | Apparatus for universal stemware storage |
PCT/US2016/051332 WO2017044955A1 (en) | 2015-09-11 | 2016-09-12 | Apparatus for universal stemware storage |
CA2998143A CA2998143C (en) | 2015-09-11 | 2016-09-12 | Apparatus for universal stemware storage |
US15/758,935 US11399645B2 (en) | 2015-09-11 | 2016-09-12 | Apparatus for universal stemware storage |
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2015
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-
2016
- 2016-09-12 US US15/758,935 patent/US11399645B2/en active Active
- 2016-09-12 CA CA2998143A patent/CA2998143C/en active Active
- 2016-09-12 EP EP16845275.3A patent/EP3346883B1/en active Active
- 2016-09-12 WO PCT/US2016/051332 patent/WO2017044955A1/en active Application Filing
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US11564518B2 (en) * | 2018-09-13 | 2023-01-31 | Brian BARCZYK | Cup holder system |
US11350779B2 (en) * | 2019-09-26 | 2022-06-07 | Teak Isle Manufacturing, Inc. | Beverage tray and retainer |
US20220257039A1 (en) * | 2019-09-26 | 2022-08-18 | Teak Isle Manufacturing, Inc. | Beverage tray and retainer |
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US12004667B1 (en) * | 2023-02-21 | 2024-06-11 | John Lord | Stemware retention device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20180249852A1 (en) | 2018-09-06 |
EP3346883B1 (en) | 2023-12-27 |
EP3346883A4 (en) | 2019-09-11 |
EP3346883C0 (en) | 2023-12-27 |
US11399645B2 (en) | 2022-08-02 |
CA2998143C (en) | 2018-12-18 |
EP3346883A1 (en) | 2018-07-18 |
WO2017044955A1 (en) | 2017-03-16 |
US9655462B2 (en) | 2017-05-23 |
CA2998143A1 (en) | 2017-03-16 |
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